ESPN Mel Kiper Jr’s No. 1 ranked senior outside linebacker prospect for ’11 NFL Draft – injuries were the only reason he was available for the ‘Boys on the second day of the draft.

The skills, gifts, and “look” are all present when look at Cowboys’ second-round rookie linebacker Bruce Carter.

Recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee that he suffered during his senior season at Chapel Hill, Carter was finally able to practice Wednesday for the first time as a Cowboy.

“I was ready to get out there,” the UNC product said.

Placed on the non-football injury list, Carter was unable to participate in football activities the first six weeks of the regular season. But on Wednesday, he was back out on the field working with the special teams units.

Carter went on to say, “I feel 110 percent.”

In one game against Rutgers during his senior season, Carter tallied seven tackles, a 55-yard interception return and a blocked punt.

It’s clearly evident the former Tar Heel standout can play, now it’s just a matter of getting an opportunity.

“I know all the plays,” he said. “It’s just a matter of getting out there and doing it on the field.”

Needless to say, if he was fully healthy heading into the draft, Carter would’ve been a first-round lock.

With that said, the Cowboys are fortunate he fell to them at pick No. 40 in Round two, and now they’re hoping his “110 percent” can translate to Sundays.